Bandarawela is a lively town surrounded by mist-cloaked peaks and emerald-green tea plantations. The town is nestled in Sri Lanka’s mountainous interior and is a gateway to Hill Country. Tour a 19th-century tea factory and hike to the lookout where Sir Thomas Lipton once surveyed his empire.
Things to do in Bandarawela
Start early to catch the sunrise from Lipton's Seat. It’s one of the most famous lookouts in Sri Lanka and commands spectacular views over the surrounding tea plantations. British tea magnate Sir Thomas Lipton once admired his estates from the 1970-metre-high perch.
Learn about the leaf-to-cup process at the Dambatenne Tea Factory. Built in the late 1800s, the factory offers a hands-on look at how tea is grown, trimmed, harvested, dried, cut and packaged. Make your way through the various levels and finish with a cup of tea in the scenic café.
A larger-than-life image of Buddha is carved into the rockface above Dowa Temple. The temple was built for a Sri Lankan king in the 1st century and is a treasured historic site. Opposite the carving is a photogenic shrine decorated with colourful murals.
From cosy cafes to bustling curry houses, there are plenty of places to eat in Bandarawela. Start your day with a traditional Sri Lankan breakfast of coconut dahl and “string hopper” rice flour noodles. The streets of Bandarawela are dotted with stalls selling all kinds of treats. Fill up on “kottu roti” chopped flatbread tossed with vegetables and scrambled egg, “parippu vada” lentil fritters and wafer-thin “dosa” crepes.
Getting around Bandarawela
Taxis and rickshaws are a fast and affordable way to get around Bandarawela and visit surrounding sights and attractions. The town is in the Badulla District, a four-hour drive from Kandy and five hours from Colombo. Ella is 30 minutes away by car and one hour by train, while Bandaranaike International Airport is a five-hour drive away.